When we go to the polls, our vote is cast for a name, but also - mostly - for a political party.
The cross in the box indicates an endorsement of the candidate and their party persuasion. So when a councillor changes party mid-term, voters are right to feel disgruntled. In Great Yarmouth, seven UKIP councillors have become Conservatives in one leap. The move goes against the polling-booth wishes of thousands of people in the town.
Worse, though, it changes the borough council balance of power, giving the Conservatives control without going to the voters to seek it.
In North Norfolk, eight Conservatives have left their party - most to become Independents. It means the Tories no longer control North Norfolk District Council.
In Yarmouth and North Norfolk, the electors' will has been disregarded. Some would argue the results are not democratic, so there is a strong case for all the defectors to stand for election again.
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